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"I did not know that in 2010 that I would be sitting here to defend . . . his lifestyle."

According to WBTV, Republican commissioner Bill James leaned over and responded: "Your son was a homo, really?" His remarks were not made into the microphone on his desk, but it could be heard in the audio coverage of the meeting.

Leake then was heard to respond, "Don't make me hurt you. Don't do that to me. Don't talk to me about my son."

Democratic commissioners said the change could help the county recruit and retain workers who are in same-sex relationships by offering them the same benefits given to married, heterosexual workers.

The board's three Republicans opposed the policy, saying there appeared to be no demonstrated demand among county workers for the benefits and that offering them could violate state laws against cohabitation.

The commissioners' vote came after nearly two hours of discussion, including comments from about a dozen residents. The debate was broken up occasionally by cheers from audience members.